Refugees Invited to Participate in Various Branches of Civilian Defense Work

Official and volunteer defense organizations in New York have informed the National Refugee Service of their eagerness to have loyal refugees participate in various branches of civilian defense work, it was announced here today.

Alien men and women may offer their services as blood donors and may enroll in four types of classes held under Red Cross auspices which include first aid, home nursing, nutrition and production, Mrs. Everett E. Risley, director of volunteer service for the American Red Cross, informed the National Refugee Service. At the present time, she said, only citizens are being accepted for volunteer service as nurses’ aides in hospitals, disaster canteen, motor corps, and information and clerical service at Red Cross headquarters.

The Office of Civilian Defense reported that it has “always welcomed the registration of non-citizens. It is possible for us to place them in certain volunteer jobs which are listed in our files. We are also developing plans for an increased use of their services wherever it is appropriate.”

Defense courses offered by WPA include first aid and auto mechanics and are open to the alien as well as the citizen population. A need for volunteers has also been voiced by a number of Allied groups established to do war relief work. Clarence King, executive director of the Civilian Defense Volunteer Office of Greater New York, stated that his office, which serves as a clearing house for all services available in civilian defense, is surveying the ways in which refugees may best cooperate.